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Her Mothers Hope: V. 1 (Marta's Legacy #1)

4.22 of 5 stars 4.22 · rating details · 8,758 ratings · 715 reviews

The first in an epic two-book saga by beloved author Francine Rivers, this New York Times best-selling story explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters over several generations.
Near the turn of the twentieth century, fiery Marta Schneider leaves Switzerland for a better life, determined to fulfill her mother's hope. Her formative journey takes he...more

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Published by Tyndale House Publishers (first published 2010)

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Aug 01, 2011 Rachel Crooks rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

...I have to admit, this book's cover appeared to me a bit fluffish, promising the kind of tame, hopeful message dipped in sugar that some faith-inspired books tend to have. I have noticed with a great many Christian novels this attempt to show that having a relationship with Christ suddenly fixes everything and makes it better. I love that about faith fiction, but I realized at some point that I was reading them for escape in much the same manner that I watch Disney movies... everything ties up...more ...I have to admit, this book's cover appeared to me a bit fluffish, promising the kind of tame, hopeful message dipped in sugar that some faith-inspired books tend to have. I have noticed with a great many Christian novels this attempt to show that having a relationship with Christ suddenly fixes everything and makes it better. I love that about faith fiction, but I realized at some point that I was reading them for escape in much the same manner that I watch Disney movies... everything ties up neatly at the end. It makes for emotional stories that pull at my heartstrings but never quite hit me in the gut. Because the truth is that even while we live our faith in hope, suffering continues to exist, whether in our relationships with others, our misunderstandings of God, or in bearing the hardships others might bring, or even in recognizing, over and over again, our own weaknesses. The books that dismiss the strenuous challenge of persevering with God, one moment at a time, are day-lily types of books.

Francine Rivers has the ability to write an inspiring novel without sugar-coating the hard edges of life. She made it possible to love Marta even when Marta often says some very cruel things to her daughter. I was able to identify with both Marta and Hildemara Rose, even while feeling the angst and the near-misses of their relationship. Sometimes I wanted to laugh and cheer Marta on - her fearlessness of people, her gift of challenging others and bringing out their best, was such a fun thing to watch unfold. Until she started yelling at her husband all the time and failing to trust him when it was clear that he deeply loved her and God - then I felt like shaking her. And Hildemara Rose - there were times when her deep faith and ability to pray for her teacher even under constant criticism were very beautiful - then again, there were also times when, like Marta, I wanted her to show some backbone. Sometimes Marta had the perfect action or word for her daughter - often, she said or did the exact thing that would most injure Hildemara.

What I take away from this book is that each of us have our particular gift, beautiful in itself, but none of us are at our best without others who compliment these gifts and show us ways other than our own. Painful or not, Marta needed Hildie's "gentle as doves" way of faith, and Hildemara needed someone like her mother to show the "crafty as serpents" way. Secondly, I saw that most of us in our deepest relationships would benefit from slowing down, not reacting so quickly, and learning to listen quietly to the other. Marta never learned to react to Hildie apart from seeing the bad consequences of her own sister, whom Hildie resembled. We can often be so blind to what is in front of us because of the past which is behind us. Last, I saw that despite our best intentions, it is hard to escape the little chafings we give each other as we grow in character and faith. It is easy to imagine "the perfect family" who never argues or says hurtful things, but we all do, and the painful process of learning to love each other in these circumstances is often more redeeming than if we were the type of family which could exist in constant harmony. (less)

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Jun 24, 2012 Vonelle Riley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is an excellent portrayal of mother/daughter relationships. It demonstrates how misunderstandings can shape a relationship. This first book begins in Switzerland as the main characters migrate around Europe, Canada and the United States. Marta begins the book with a close relationship with her mother and a difficult relationship with her father. As she grows up and finds her way in the world, she begins to understand her mother as she begins her own family. As the book progresses, Mart...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Deborah Bobo added it · review of another edition

Abused and put down by her father, Marta Schneider, a young Swiss girl, leaves home to attain her goals. Her mother encourages her to “fly.” Marta sees her mother and sister as weak, not standing up to her father. She is highly intelligent and driven. Marta sets her goals and works hard to learn everything that she can about running a boarding house. She purchases one and turns it into a profitable business, but she meets Niclas and falls deeply in love. Will Marta’s love for Niclas be more impo...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Bmartin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book. This book inspired me in a lot of ways. I felt connected with this book while I was reading it because of the detail and significance Francine Rivers put into it. I couldn't seem to put the book down. This story was about a girl named Marta who was raised in an environment where her father was abusive to her. Her mother was the opposite. Her mother wanted her to fly, to accomplish her own dreams, to leave their home and to never come back... so she did. While out on her own sh...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Her Mother’s Hope begins in the year of 1901 with a girl called Marta living in Steffisburg, Switzerland. In the beginning phase of the book the story show’s Marta to be a hardworking little girl who achieves good grades in school and does more than the lion’s share of the chores. Marta is dearly loved by her mother and sister but such love is not displayed by her father who beats and belittles her. At the age of 12 Marta’s father decides to remove her from school and put her to work so she can...more

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Jun 19, 2011 Melanie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mother-daughter, christian-historical-fiction

Her Mother’s Hope
Francine Rivers

Marta’s legacy begins in Switzerland in the year 1901 as a young girl at the age of 12. With a father who was quick to anger and take his anger out on Marta, and a sickly mother, Marta learns quickly that life is difficult. Papa pulls her out of school at age 12, hires her out to tend bee hives, clean hotel rooms and babysit. He finally sends her back to school.. to become a servant. Marta meets a variety of people through her employment and continues to hold on t...more

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Apr 13, 2011 Leah Beecher rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A great saga about mothers and daughters. It also touches on how our experiences with those in our family as a child effect all or our relationships later in life. It takes a very realistic look at husbands and wives as well. I liked this book so very much because it was the first Christian Lit. book that showed the good and bad, ugly and sinful, along with the redemptive and righteous in believable characters. Rivers (the author) shows how Christians, and non-Christian alike, are imperfect peop...more

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Mar 04, 2011 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The cover made this book seem sappy and sentimental -- not my usual genre. However, I needed something to listen to while concentrating on drafting patterns and this book seemed to be easy listening and not too taxing. I almost didn't get through the first CD because it was over-the-top in its one-sided character development. The writing style is basic and elementary in its portrayals of protagonist, villain and description of places. Phrasing and structure uninspired. In other words, boring.

Why...more

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Feb 26, 2011 Kenny rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: People who can stand sadness amidst the happiness

Recommended to Kenny by: My Mother

Shelves: didnt-want-to-read-but-ended-up-lik, christian-books, i-own-this, realistic-fiction, really-good

This book is so complex.

I loved it and didn't at the same time, because the characters were just so REAL. I could like them, despise them, get angry at them, be happy for them, sad and even worried about them. I came to adore so many of them.... Marta, however, is still my favourite.
I love Trip and Niclas, Boots and Jones. Even Cloe has a bit of my love. Bernie is seriously a pretty awesome brother and husband to Hildemara and Elizabeth. I don't know if I like Elizabeth, but I did when she was...more

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Jan 13, 2011 Susan Poling rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"The first in an epic two-book saga by beloved author Francine Rivers, this sweeping story explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters over several generations. Near the turn of the 20th century, fiery Marta leaves Switzerland determined to find life on her own terms. Her journey takes her through Europe and finally lands her with children and husband in tow in the central valley of California. Marta’s experiences convince her that only the strong survive. Hildie, Marta’...more

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Dec 26, 2010 Elizabeth rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

This was my first Francine Rivers book, and the enthusiasm expressed by many reviewers was deserved. It was a compelling read because the characters were so well developed and believable, and their lives so interesting and dramatic, that the plot raced along. It begins the two-book saga of several generations of women, starting with Marta, who escaped an abusive father after her loving mother's death and made her way to the states in the early 1900s through sheer grit and determination. In spite...more

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Dec 25, 2010 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book! Francine Rivers is always impressive, and I loved how she dealt with both the relationship between Marta and her father and then Marta and her own daughter. Growing up with an abusive father determined to keep Marta in her "place", Marta flees and works hard to create a life for herself. Set in the early 1900s, Marta must overcome obstacles for women in general in addition to the shackles that bind her to her family.

When she falls in love and has her own daughter, Marta become...more

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Nov 21, 2010 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this, it was long but I raced through it and was completely absorbed the whole time. Francine Rivers writes very realistically and convincingly about family and romantic relationships; her characters are all well-drawn and three-dimensional. When two characters were arguing I could always see both points of view, and didn't always side with the heroine, which is unusual in most books but felt so realistic.

Marta had a lot of faults, but a lot of virtues too, and though I found h...more I really enjoyed this, it was long but I raced through it and was completely absorbed the whole time. Francine Rivers writes very realistically and convincingly about family and romantic relationships; her characters are all well-drawn and three-dimensional. When two characters were arguing I could always see both points of view, and didn't always side with the heroine, which is unusual in most books but felt so realistic.

Marta had a lot of faults, but a lot of virtues too, and though I found her annoying at times I really respected her in some ways. I could see how the events of her childhood and adolesence had influenced her personality and it was good to be able to understand WHY she was like that. I liked the way she always stood up for herself and refused to let anyone cheat her or take advantage of her, and I admired her work ethic, business sense and determination. But she could be very hard and bitter, she had a lot of trouble trusting/loving anyone and expressing it when she did, and a terrible temper--she would fly into rages and say the most awful unforgivable things to the people she loved the most, then regret it deeply afterwards. She was a very fascinating character.

Halfway through the book the viewpoint changed to her daughter Hildemara who was the exact opposite, shy and retiring and always letting people walk all over her, but gentle and loving. Sometimes I sympathised with Marta and wished Hildie would show a bit of backbone, but other times I sympathised with Hildemara and wished Marta would LAY OFF with the nagging and just show Hildie some of the love and approval she craved. The two of them completely rubbed each other up the wrong way and it was such a relief when Hildie moved away to nurses college and they could stop fighting! Marta even admitted to herself that she was harder or Hildie than her other two daughters, but she thought she had to be because her own sister Elsie (who was a lot like Hildie) let a man take advantage of her and got pregnant and then committed suicide, and Marta was secretly terrified that something similar would happen to Hildie if she didn't teach her to stand up for herself. The way she went about trying to teach her was, I thought, quite unfair and awful (e.g. refusing to pay for nursing college and making her go out and find work to save the money, among other things), but in a way it worked, and her intentions were good, so I don't know if I can judge her too harshly for it.

All in all it was a very interesting character study of two very different women and I'd like to read the sequel (which apparently deals with how they managed to patch up their relationship in the end, and also with Hildie's relationship with her own daughter). (less)

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Aug 22, 2010 Auntie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: finished

I was so taken by the first descriptive passages in the introductory chapters,that I just had to pick up a fine pen and do some sketching.
Mountains, Swiss children running, log seats and lifetime friendships...This story had it all and more. I'm so glad I read it on my computer/e-reader "Nook" as it is only the first half (and a rather hefty book size!) of a history of Grandmothers, Mothers and Daughters.

As the child of 2nd generation immigrants, I resonated strongly with the issues of represse...more

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Jun 27, 2010 Ruth rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Her Mother's Hope (Marta's Legacy) is the story of mothers and daughters, three generations of women in the same family. Marta is the main character. She was born in Switzerland in the late 1800's. Her father was a tailor, her mother a seamstress. She was a bright child who loved school but her father made her drop out and go to work even before she finished elementary school. Her father was also both verbally and physically abusive. She had a sister who was the apple of her father's eye and her...more Her Mother's Hope (Marta's Legacy) is the story of mothers and daughters, three generations of women in the same family. Marta is the main character. She was born in Switzerland in the late 1800's. Her father was a tailor, her mother a seamstress. She was a bright child who loved school but her father made her drop out and go to work even before she finished elementary school. Her father was also both verbally and physically abusive. She had a sister who was the apple of her father's eye and her mother's pet. However, her sister, like her mother, had little fight in her. Both were pleasers. Marta is sent off to housekeeping school and works her way through a series of jobs in hotels, boarding houses and mansions until finally going to Canada to pursue her dreams. She meets and marries Niclas and has to give up all she has worked for to follow him first to western Canada and then to California. Along the way they have four children, including the second major character in the book, Hildamara. Like her grandmother and aunt, Hildamara is a pleaser, a servant. Marta keeps pushing her, demanding things of her, trying to get her to stand up for herself, to demand what she wants or needs, but Hildamara doesn't; she just becomes more convinced that her mother doesn't love her.

The book takes us from Switzerland to Paris to England to Canada and finally to California. We see Marta growing into a successful business woman, and finally realizing that she is worthy of being loved. We see her daughter suffer the same feelings of unworthiness due to her inability (she believes) to gain her mother's love. Finally we see Marta realizing that while Hildamara's strength isn't the same type as hers, she does indeed have the strength she so desired her daughter to have.

Her Mother's Hope is Christian fiction. We often hear how the family attended church. At the beginning of the book Marta is in church shortly after a beating by her father. The pastor speaks about the need to continue to work at staying on the right path and Marta wonders if God is like her father--impossible to please. One thing that attracts Hildamara's eventual husband to her is her prayerfulness. Still, this is a powerful book about the relationships between parents and children and to dismiss it because you don't read Christian fiction would be a mistake.(less)

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Jun 21, 2010 Tenille Shade rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reading-for-pleasure

Nora came down to during the month of June, and she was dead set on buying me a birthday gift. We went to the bookstore to see if we could find a few titles related to a series she was reading, and I noticed Francine Rivers had published a new book. It was pretty thick, but I didn’t mind because I’ve read some of her other books, and I know she is a master story teller. Redeeming Love is my favorite love story ever written, and I was intrigued by the title of her new book. I was also in desperat...more Nora came down to during the month of June, and she was dead set on buying me a birthday gift. We went to the bookstore to see if we could find a few titles related to a series she was reading, and I noticed Francine Rivers had published a new book. It was pretty thick, but I didn’t mind because I’ve read some of her other books, and I know she is a master story teller. Redeeming Love is my favorite love story ever written, and I was intrigued by the title of her new book. I was also in desperate need of some fiction to read since I’ve been devouring “teacher books” lately. Summer is a good time to read a grown up novel for fun!

The story started off kind of slow. When the book began, Marta was an eight year old girl living in a tiny village in Switzerland. At first, I got lost a lot, because I had a hard time understanding the cultural nuisances of the European people and the time in history when the story takes place. The first chapter is dated 1905. There were a lot of German words, and I could make sense of some of them because we had read A Paradise Called Texas this year in class.

There were a few scenes that were emotionally tough to read because Marta was physically abused by her father. She out performed her brother on school exams, and her dad was angry that she had embarrassed the family. He was a cruel man who mistreated Marta and her mother. I felt so bad for Marta because although her mother encouraged her to fly, she always felt guilty about abandoning her family. When her mother died and she found out her little sister had committed suicide, I was shocked. I think I would have left my homeland too, and started a new life where I didn’t have to be reminded of my grief daily. Of course, the heartache followed her and she ended up allowing her wounds to harm her own family.

About half way through the book, the main character changed from Marta to her daughter Hildemarie. At first I was bothered by this because the narrator switched roles, but now I think the author was just trying to get me to see how the mom and daughters lives were woven together like a tapestry. I felt sorry for Hildie because Marta was so hard on her. She projected her unresolved feelings about her sister, Elise, onto her daughter, and it eventually caused Hildie to resent her mother.

This book affirmed what I already know about how generational secrets create havoc in the lives of children. I found myself reflecting on why people were so closed off in the past, and why we refuse to be honest about our struggles and heartache. I am so glad we live in a world today where vulnerability and transparency are valued instead of shunned. While reading this book my husband had a candid conversation with his children about their parents’ divorce. He laid all the cards on the table which helped Hunter and Chandler process and see the big picture. Secrets and shame can cause a lot of heartache if we allow them to.

I was totally bummed when I turned to the last page of the book and discovered that this is a series. I have to wait until the fall to read the next installment and find out if Marta and Hildie get past their differences. I appreciated the author’s note where she explained that these characters are based on real people in her own family. I don’t know if this would be considered biographical or not, but I love when authors blend truth with fiction. Francine Rivers is an author I plan to follow for years to come!(less)

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Jun 11, 2010 Judith rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

This book is about mother-daughter relationship. Being a new mother myself, I had mixed feelings reading this book. The characters are believable, so the story acted as a mirror.
Marta is a stubborn, go-getter, who's had a hard life. She had a mother who was loving, yet weak, and who "over-protected" her sister Elise to the point of making her an incapable of surviving. She did not want to make the same mistake with her own children, so when her first daughter Hildermara turned out to be delicat...more

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May 10, 2010 Pathway rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This books was a marvelous read. Based very loosely on her own family's history, Francine Rivers deftly moves through the lives of a Swiss immigrant and her family, from 1900 all the way up to 1952. The story focuses first on Marta, a young woman raised in Steffisburg, Switzerland who moves across Europe learning all she can in the hopes of opening her own boardinghouse or hotel. Her drive and ambition take her to pre-World War I Canada where she meets her husband and embarks on a courageous and...more

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Apr 26, 2010 Keiki Hendrix rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

With a clear picture of an abusive life and the wonder of redemption, Her Mother's Hope (Book One of the Marta's Legacy Series) Francine Rivers gently weaves reality into redemption.

There is no escape, or so it seems, from life's harsh tribulations for some. So it was with Marta Waltert and her daughter Hildie. Set in the early 20th century and spanning the globe, this book brings to focus the generational behaviors, some good and some very bad, passed from parent to child and on again.

The paren...more With a clear picture of an abusive life and the wonder of redemption, Her Mother's Hope (Book One of the Marta's Legacy Series) Francine Rivers gently weaves reality into redemption.

There is no escape, or so it seems, from life's harsh tribulations for some. So it was with Marta Waltert and her daughter Hildie. Set in the early 20th century and spanning the globe, this book brings to focus the generational behaviors, some good and some very bad, passed from parent to child and on again.

The parenting style of abuse will touch the hearts of those who have suffered at the hand of a parent who should have been provided protection, love and comfort but because of their own reactions to difficulties in their lives, pass on an insecure and abusive tradition to their children. It reveals the realization many feel when they say `I'll never be like my father` only to discover through trials of their own, that they react with the same destructive behavior only opposite in their application.

Marta desires to fulfill her own mother's dreams for her and Hildie does as well. It is interesting to see the different path each woman takes on their way to this goal.

The first 14 Chapters are of Marta and her perspective. The remaining 30 are from Hildemara Rose. The `Note to the Reader` section was particularly enlightening because they reveal the story behind the writing of Her Mother's Hope as the author walks the reader through the real life events in her life that inspired many of the scenes and events in the book. At the end is a Discussion Guide perfect for Book Clubs and Reader's Group.

If you are looking for a quick read, this is not the one. But, if you are a Christian looking for an engaging story that will connect with your personal walk with God, time is not an issue. It is beautifully written, with extraordinary insight into the mother daughter relationship.

I recommend it highly and give this one (as all Francine Rivers novels) high marks.

Disclaimer:
The review copy of this book was provided free of charge by Tyndale House Publishers and was donated to the library of Westwood Baptist Church.

Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: Tyndale House Publishers (less)

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Apr 20, 2010 Kris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone

Recommended to Kris by: I'm a big fan and was waiting for Francine to release a new book

Shelves: recommend

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 12, 2010 Nora St Laurent rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’ve read and have been deeply moved by Francine Rivers’ books, so I anxiously awaited my review copy of this epic story. Francine does an amazing job of creating complex characters which instantly grab at your heart strings.

The reader first meets Marta Schnieder as a young girl doing her best to cope with a task master father. She loves to learn and has great dreams of speaking many languages, going to college and maybe even owning a business. Marta's dream crashes when her father demands she...more I’ve read and have been deeply moved by Francine Rivers’ books, so I anxiously awaited my review copy of this epic story. Francine does an amazing job of creating complex characters which instantly grab at your heart strings.

The reader first meets Marta Schnieder as a young girl doing her best to cope with a task master father. She loves to learn and has great dreams of speaking many languages, going to college and maybe even owning a business. Marta's dream crashes when her father demands she work several jobs to make money for the family. Marta vows she will never be just a servant girl. She would prove her father’s image of her wrong.

Her mother comforts Marta saying, “Marta, listen to me…It doesn’t matter what your father plans, nor what his motives might be. God will prevail. God will use anything to His good purpose if you love and trust Him.”

Marta says, “I know what I want in life, and I’m going after it. I’m not going to let things happen to me. I’m going to make things happen.”

Not only is Marta feisty, but she has a good eye for business and will fight for what is right. I was amazed at how Marta embraced modern conveniences as they were available. The first big leap was indoor plumping. What a treat for her and her family.

Since I’ve grown up having all these new gadgets I found it quite interesting to read about people discovering them for the first time. It was fascinating to see how it changed family dynamics and the way people lived life. I was intrigued by history with all its changes and how people treated one another during each phase.

I enjoyed the use of personal letters written between the characters. It was very affective in getting to know the heart of each character; it also made the story very personal. You’ll be as interested as I am to see how this family survives the war in the sequel, which is due out Fall of 2010.

Nora St.Laurent
ACFW Book Club Coordinator
Finding Hope Through Fiction
www.psalm516.blogspot.com (less)

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Feb 27, 2010 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Beginning in 1906 in Switzerland, Marta Schneider is twelve years old with a deep love for learning, she has aspirations of going higher in her education. But a father who is a tailor and a drunk, has different plans, he will hire her out to do any type of work to bring in money to his house. Marta has good employer's and she is a hard worker but she has much more ambition than being a serving girl all her life.

Working her way across Europe, and eventually into Canada she realizes her dreams. F...more

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Apr 11, 2010 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Molly by: Christian Speaker Services

Shelves: book-review

Do you ever have that feeling that no matter what you do, your dreams and hopes will never come true? That you will always be a disappointment to the people who should be cherishing you the most no matter what? Well, that is exactly what happened to Marta, the young girl in this novel. My heart was immediately captured from the beginning, when she, just a girl of 12 years old, went through so much struggle, pain and heartache. I was hooked through the whole book, seeing Marta become a woman and...more

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Mar 26, 2010 Theresa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Teens through Adult

Shelves: christian, fiction, historical-fiction, review-copy

If I had to sum up this novel in one word, it would be "WOW"! "Her Mother's Hope" is an emotionally gripping story based on the lives of the author's mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. It was researched and written when the author wanted to understand more about her mother's and grandmother's relationship. This is and absolutely unforgettable story of love and determination, faith, friendship, and most importantly family.

This is my first exposure to anything written by Francine Rivers, a...more

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Sep 06, 2010 Lynda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 07, 2013 Theresa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I enjoyed reading and following the characters in this story, which was really a mini-history of a European family adjusting to one another and life in America. Hard times and being taken advantage of is not glossed over.

The main character (Marta)'s own background gives her a strong mistrust of handling life's problems by apathy or avoidance. Her own mother's encouragement to 'spread her wings' causes her to approach life from a 'militant' kind of self-sufficiency, and subsequently causes relati...more
I enjoyed reading and following the characters in this story, which was really a mini-history of a European family adjusting to one another and life in America. Hard times and being taken advantage of is not glossed over.

The main character (Marta)'s own background gives her a strong mistrust of handling life's problems by apathy or avoidance. Her own mother's encouragement to 'spread her wings' causes her to approach life from a 'militant' kind of self-sufficiency, and subsequently causes relationship problems later on within her own family.

I did not give this book five stars (even though Francine Rivers' writing is always inspiring and her characters portrayed realistically), because I had a little trouble persevering with the final 100 pages or so (this is a long book!), and felt it was maybe 60 to 80 pages too long. Marta struggles over and over again with the same memories and the same kind of philosophy, but the reader does not have to have her trials rehearsed as often in the latter pages as it is 'fleshed out'. Nor do we need the constant reminders of how her bitter and painful memories effect Marta's relationship with her daughter, Hildemara Rose, as this is easily discerned from reading the story.

If nothing else, this book serves as a reminder that communication in any relationship, is important, but it is more than that. It is enjoyable to read from the comfort of one's own home (for most of us, no sleeping in a tent until a house can be afforded any more...or working for four years with no wages at the end of it!)

Although there are still prejudices and abuses of race and a person's sex, we have made gains. Women no longer have to fight to gain acceptance in seeking higher education, or accept mistreatment without legal recourse, or accept a low-paying servant's job for mere survival. However, it is possible that what Francine Rivers is trying to teach us in this novel might be that, with all of our gains, we are still the losers, if we cannot communicate our love and acceptance of our own children.

(less)

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Apr 03, 2010 Carly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have heard many wonderful things about Francine Rivers’ novel and was delighted to have a chance to read her newest novel, Her Mother’s Hope. This book is the first book in the Marta’s Legacy series and it begins in Switzerland in 1901 when Marta is a child of twelve. This epic story takes readers on a long journey that spans many decades and the many trials and tragedies of Marta’s life.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is that there is never a lull. I never once found myself b...more I have heard many wonderful things about Francine Rivers’ novel and was delighted to have a chance to read her newest novel, Her Mother’s Hope. This book is the first book in the Marta’s Legacy series and it begins in Switzerland in 1901 when Marta is a child of twelve. This epic story takes readers on a long journey that spans many decades and the many trials and tragedies of Marta’s life.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is that there is never a lull. I never once found myself bored or my mind wandering, which is quite impressive considering the length of the book. The book is written in a conversational tone and has the feeling of sitting and chatting with an old friend who is telling you the story of a mother and daughter while flipping through the pages of the old family photo album. This made the pages fly by and made it very difficult to put down. I was really very impressed by Francine Rivers’ writing and storytelling. I can see why she has such loyal readers.
One thing about this book that was a bit challenging was the fact that there was almost always something bad happening or some sort of tension, often extreme tension. It was this aspect that made this book one of least relaxing books I’ve read. Marta was not an easy person to like initially, but I started to understand her better as the book moved on. I actually found this book creeping into my sleep at times, which I don’t care for. I’m sure the author did that for a good reason, there were signs of that toward the end of the book which really makes me anxious to read the second book in the series.
Her Mother’s Hope does leave the reader feeling hope by the end of the book, but it also leaves the reader hanging. I will definitely want to read the conclusion to Marta’s Legacy as soon as it comes out. My overall impression of Her Mother’s Hope is a positive one. Even though there is a lot of drama and many unsettling situations and arguments in this book, I still found it to be a terrific story and extremely well written. I appreciate a book that challenges the reader and this book definitely does that.
I’m sure fans of Francine Rivers will love this book and I’m sure first time readers of her books (like me) will quickly become fans.
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May 27, 2012 Judi Aaron rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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Aug 10, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

This is only the second book I've ever read by Francine Rivers. The first was "Redeeming Love" which was one of the best books I've ever read. But I have also heard that it was her best book by far so I haven't been as anxious to dive into another one by this author. I like Christian fiction and I really appreciate stories written in different periods. In this case the early 1900's through World War II which is one of the settings I gravitate to most. I also enjoy when a story takes you through...more

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May 10, 2011 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had a very strange experience reading this book. It really dragged at parts. The plot wasn't terribly exciting and the pacing was annoying - I don't particularly like having years pass between each chapter. As far as entertainment goes, it wasn't that great. All that being said, I cried from the beginning of this book until the end. Some of that might have been end-of-the-semester catharsis, but a lot of it wasn't. The themes in this book are powerful. Some things in this book just resonated b...more

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About Francine Rivers

New York Times best-selling author Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter...more New York Times best-selling author Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist.
Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books and then rereleased by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the CBA's top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade.
Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published more than 20 novels with Christian themes—all best sellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous awards, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. In March 2010, Francine officially became a New York Times bestselling author, when Her Mother’s Hope debuted at #12 on the hardcover fiction bestsellers lists. The sequel, Her Daughter’s Dream, debuted at #12 on the same list just six months later, in September, 2010. Francine's novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa.
Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. She uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes – all bestsellers-- and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous awards including the Rita Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third Rita award for Inspirational Fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers’ of America Hall of Fame. Francine’s novels have been translated into over twenty different languages and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries including Germany, The Netherlands, and South Africa.

Francine and her husband Rick live in Northern California and enjoy the time spent with their three grown children and every opportunity to spoil their four grandchildren. She uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.
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Books by Francine Rivers

A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion, #1)

An Echo in the Darkness (Mark of the Lion, #2)

As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion, #3)

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“And if it (life) were easier, would i have given my heart so fully to God? Put your hope in Him, and you won't be disappointed by what life offers” — 5 people liked it

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Her Mothers Hope: V. 1 (Marta's Legacy #1)

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